Bearing in mind the growing threat of power shortage in the state, the SSU reinforces its response to ensure protection of critical infrastructure of the Integrated Energy System of Ukraine.

In Cherkasy region, the SSU uncovered a clandestine cryptocurrency mining farm. To mine bitcoins, the suspects stole electric power from the regional energy network on an industrial scale.

According to preliminary estimates, the losses to the state amount to over UAH 6 m (USD 227,272); the volume of stolen power would be enough to provide a dozen of flats with electricity over several years. 

The Service identified local businessmen as organizers of the scam. In the rented warehouses, they illegally connected digital currency mining equipment to the electricity grid of Cherkasyoblenerho JSC. The daily functioning of hi-tech equipment caused significant energy losses to the state enterprise.

In the course of investigation, the law enforcement uncovered these ‘production capacities’ and other evidence of criminal activity.

Within the criminal proceeding, the investigation into the theft of electric power is on-going to bring the organizers to justice.

The SSU conducted the operation jointly with the National Police investigators under the supervision of the Prosecutor General’s Office with assistance from Cherkasyoblenerho JSC.